Centro Escolar University ousted Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, 78-56, in the sudden death Game 3 to arrange a title showdown with reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Scorpions built a massive 21-point advantage at the half and kept the Red Lions at bay amidst their multiple fightbacks.
They eventually completed a dream upset of the reigning NCAA champions in the thrilling best-of-three semifinal series.
In the process, CEU spoiled a rematch between favored contenders La Salle and San Beda. Instead, it barged into its third D-League finals appearance after runner-up finishes in the 2017 Foundation and 2019 Aspirants’ Cup.
CEU and La Salle begin their championship series, also under a best-of-three format, on Monday.
“Every time you beat a team like San Beda, the feeling is, of course… They’re one of the top collegiate programs in the country and CEU is just outside of the UAAP and the NCAA,” said coach Jeff Perlas.
“It’s really a big morale-booster not just for the players but also for the entire CEU community.”
Team captain Franz Ray Diaz poured 13 of his 21 points in the first half to set the pace in the Scorpions’ statement win. He added three rebounds and four assists.
Abdul-Wahab Olusesi took care of the defensive end for the back-to-back UCAL champion CEU, harvesting 28 rebounds (nine offensive boards) plus 15 points and three blocks.
They received solid contributions from Daniel Marcelo and Jerome Santos with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
CEU escaped with a 75-71 win in Game 1 but yielded to San Beda in Game 2, 84-76, paving the way for a deciding game that was anticipated to be a gritty dogfight for no less than a ticket to the Last Dance.
But the Scorpions quickly turned it into a bloodbath, limiting the Red Lions to a dismal 22-percent clip in the first half to create an early 43-22 separation.
San Beda never recovered from there, getting close to only within 11 points, 41-52, late in the third quarter before CEU went for the kill in the payoff period, highlighted by Olusesi’s dunk to make it a 67-47 gap once again heading home.
Jomel Puno and Bryan Sajonia were the only bright spots with 23 and 12 points, respectively, as the Red Lions tasted an early exit after a runner-up finish last season to the Green Archers.
The Scores:
CEU 78 – Diaz 21, Olusesi 15, Marcelo 14, Santos 10, Puray 8, Darbin 8, Bernabe 2, Guevarra 0, Mendoza 0, Gamboa 0.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda 56 – Puno 23, Sajonia 12, Payosing 5, Andrada 5, Gonzales 4, Songcuya 3, Calimag Jr 2, Royo 2, Calimag RC 0, Tagle 0, Celzo 0.
Quarterscores: 19-11, 43-22, 56-42, 78-56.
